Singaporeans show strong support for pension system: poll
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SINGAPORE : The vast majority of Singaporeans want regular monthly pensions for the elderly, while nine in 10 feel more should be done to promote interest in politics among young people.
These were some of the findings of a recent survey conducted by NTUC Income in response to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's call last August for Singaporeans to "make a difference and shape the country together".
The Cooperative polled about 370 people - members of its staff and the public - a week after Mr Lee's inauguration speech.
Respondents shared their views on more than 20 national issues in a questionnaire and 42 of them were invited to a session where they discussed the results and offered further suggestions.
NTUC Income CEO Tan Kin Lian said the Cooperative would present the suggestions to government leaders soon.
The respondents were unanimous in their support for monthly pensions for people 80 years of age or older.
Suggested amounts varied from $100 to $500. As civil servant Kit Putt, 26, remarked: "It's a small amount for this group of people who have contributed greatly to our country and who may not have CPF savings." It was recommended that certain conditions be imposed.
"Pensions should only go to those in need, since the money comes from taxpayers. Let's consider criteria such as income level and number of dependents," said Ms Putt.
On the topic of scholarships, seven in 10 respondents wanted them replaced with grants, loans or bursaries. This, they said, would reduce the problem of bond-breaking.
Said Mr William Foo, 33, a public relations consultant: "Providing study loans would make students responsible for repaying them. Yes, there might be less prestige but at least it would give them more job mobility."
He suggested having a probation system for scholars where they would be put on work attachments to assess their suitability for the job upon graduation. In so doing, he said, the sponsoring company would "know more about their scholars" and "ensure a right job fit".
A total of 92 per cent of the respondents felt that younger people should express their political views more openly. This would help groom them to become future leaders.
Youths should be encouraged to write in to news groups, respondents said.
Ms Lynn Ng, a corporate planning executive, said schools should help dispel the mindset that "politics are boring and only the high-flyers should be involved".
Said the 23-year-old: "On the whole, most people of my generation are not interested at all. It's important to prepare for the future as we don't want to have dinosaurs leading our country." - TODAY -
Singaporeans wants to eat soft rice - The Western way
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Want pension, go Oz.
Good what, income tax only 47% nia. Grow old, government give you money. Not old, don't work, government also give you money. Shiok right? -
47% still considered nia???Originally posted by ditzy:Want pension, go Oz. Good what, income tax only 47% nia. Grow old, government give you money. Not old, don't work, government also give you money. Shiok right? -
47% nia what right mah. Remember Oz is a developed country. So if it is implemented here in Singapore, count your lucky stars anything lesser than that.
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OK lah... But later on it may be higher than 47% as ppl dun want to work...Originally posted by ditzy:47% nia what right mah. Remember Oz is a developed country. So if it is implemented here in Singapore, count your lucky stars anything lesser than that. -
Thats why Singaporeans are wise. Pension is the way to go. Not only can you slack, you get paid for slacking. 5% gst only make so much noise, go Oz how?
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Originally posted by ditzy:Thats why Singaporeans are wise. Pension is the way to go. Not only can you slack, you get paid for slacking. 5% gst only make so much noise, go Oz how?
Even have bb also got $$ to get...
But outside, GST is like 20% -
The vast majority of Singaporeans want regular monthly pensions for the elderly, while nine in 10 feel more should be done to promote interest in politics among young people.
cool
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The Cooperative polled about 370 people
370 = vast majority of singaporeans -
Originally posted by FireIce:cool
370 = vast majority of singaporeans
NTUC does sleeve short work... Their supermarket opens late closes early...